BMW is recalling about 1.4 million vehicles in North America for two separate safety problems involving fire hazards. BMW is asking owners to keep the vehicles outside.
Fires may occur in parked vehicles, which is reminiscent of the “mystery BMW fires” that were the subject of an investigation earlier this year. In the last 5 years, more than 40 BMW owners said their parked cars spontaneously burst into flames.
One recall involves 670,000 of the 2006 to 2011 model-year 3-Series BMW vehicles to fix a wiring problem in the heating and air conditioning systems that may overheat and cause a fire.
The recall involves 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is, and the 2009-2011 335d vehicles.
BMW got a report in 2008 involving heat damage to a 2006 3-Series sedan. BMW received additional incidents over the next few years.
No injuries were reported from 2007 through 2014, but in 2015, BMW received 3 injury reports. In September 2017, BMW received another report involving a 2011 BMW 3-Series vehicle. BMW dealerships will be offering owners a free replacement wiring harness, if necessary.
The second recall involves 740,000 of the 2007 to 2011 model-year BMWs with a valve heater that could rust and lead to a fire.
The recall covers 2008-2011 of the 128i BMWs, as well as 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i BMWs.
The overheated wiring can cause electrical connectors to melt, which can result in a fire “even when the vehicle is unattended,” BMW said.
In 2009, BMW received a report of heat-related damage to the engine compartment on a 2007 BMW X5. They received other reports and continued to review the issue and inspect returned parts.
There are no reports of injuries or crashes related to the valve heater. BMW dealerships will replace the valve heater on recalled vehicles.
Source: BMW Recalls 1.4 Million Vehicles In The U.S. Over Risk Of Fire Under The Hood